Mrs. Lavinia "Lee" (DelMonte) Russo

Mrs. Lavinia “Lee” (DelMonte) Russo, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2013 with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on February 2, 1925, Lavinia was the daughter of the late John and Margaret (Russo) DelMonte. Raised and educated locally, she graduated from T.R. Proctor High School. It was often that Lee reflected upon her childhood and felt fortunate to have been a part of such a loving and close family. On June 9, 1945 she married Captain Nicholas D. Russo, Retired Utica Police Department, who passed away on March 18, 2000; in their 54 year union, they always made time for family, enjoyed travelling with family and friends, and truly embraced life. Lee worked at the New York Telephone Company for 25 years as an Account Representative. Her pleasant personality and helpful nature made her a natural at the position. A caretaker from a young age, she ministered to her parents and as her husband’s illness prevailed, she assisted him with great devotion. Lee was a selfless woman, generous of spirit as well as gifts of remembrance. She was also a peacemaker and was content with her life. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren, and a subtle sense of peace became more evident as the years passed and everyone and everything fell into place. Lee was a woman of style and grace, and her lady-like demeanor shined through in all her endeavors. She was most fond of cooking from scratch and providing an appealing presentation. But the basis for her appetizing preparations was great ingredients. She had a sense of seasoning and created an outstanding meal that left a memory. She was always hospitable and welcoming with a full-scale menu of love-infused cuisine. She especially enjoyed reunions, and family gatherings were important and meaningful to her. She was blessed with the opportunity to travel far and wide to see places and landmarks she dreamed of. She read extensively, was a master at assembling puzzles, and solved crossword puzzles as a means of keeping her mind active. Lee was always close to her church, Blessed Sacrament. She often invited her beloved clergy to her tableto partake of a meal, including Msgr. Taylor, Fr. Baker (who bestowed her with the gift of a dog), and numerous other parish priests. In more recent years she practiced her faith at St. John the Evangelist in New Hartford. Lavinia is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Patti and Art Columbe of PA, Joanne and Nicholas A. Napoli of New Hartford, and the memory of her daughter remained close to her heart, Elizabeth A. “Becky” Hudack, who preceded her in death on May 11, 2003; her grandchildren, Gina and Jeff Hooks, Nicholas Columbe; Lisa and Brandon Smith, Daniel and Lindsay Riddell, Stephen Riddell, and Marlena Riddell; and her great-grandchildren, Marissa, and Matthew Hooks; Isabella, and Sofia Columbe, Hannah Marie Smith, and Lukas Riddell. Also left to remember her are her sisters, Marie Borruso, and Marguerite Kidder; her brothers, Elvio DelMonte, and Eugene DelMonte; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law Madeline Ciriaco, and Lena Palumbo; and her special longtime friends, Anne Pecheone and Anne’s late husband, Raymond. She was predeceased by her sisters-in-law, Pat DelMonte, and Rosemary DelMonte; brother-in-law, Joseph Borruso; and her Russo family in-laws. The family extends thanks to home health aide PaulineDepellio, a good soul who tended to Lee with such companionship; Becky and Steve Franchell who watched over her home, always aware of her well-being; the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. whose staff provided outstanding care, and the entire staff of Elm Wing, especially Anna and Cindy who looked after Lee with personal touches and excellent care; Wanda Gregory from St. John the Evangelist who shared the Eucharist and the parishes prayers. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Lee's funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 10:30 at St. John the Evangelist Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Zareski. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of the service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; envelopes will be available at the service.Entombment will take place in Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave.

Mrs. Lavinia "Lee" (DelMonte) Russo

February 2, 1925 - March 10, 2013